Photo by Steve Klamkin, WPRO News
By Sam Wroblewski, reporting by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel visited Newport Wednesday to speak to local members of the defense industry about the state and future of military technology.
Hagel spoke to an audience filled with defense industry leaders and contractors about government initiatives offering the military more buying power for purchasing equipment and weapon systems. Hagel also said his department has made difficult decisions on reducing personnel and phasing out military equipment in the wake of fewer defense dollars in the budget.
The Secretary steered away from questions regarding the Obama Administration’s policy on hot spots in Syria and Iraq.
The inaugural event was hosted by the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance as a means of bringing industry representatives and policy makers together.
